Artist Abolitionist: Katrina Sorrentino, Cinematographer

When we hear the word “abolitionist,” many of us think of historical
events surrounding the prohibition of slavery of African-Americans in the United
States. However, as we look at the impact of globalization and the
growing demands for low priced production and services, we see slavery
as a byproduct running rampant across the globe. From generational
bonded labor, sexual slavery and forced prostitution, garment
manufacturing, and even child soldiers, slavery is alive and well, and
unfortunately, growing.

With
more slaves in the world today than at any other period in history, we
need to become aware of how our mentality, actions, finances, spirits,
gifts and talents can be engaged to bring a great level of awareness
to ourselves and those around us. “Abolitionist” is an extremely
appropropriate term to label those individuals who are actively taking a
stand to address issues of injustice both abroad and in our own
backyards. Over the next four weeks we will be featuring artists who
demonstrate the passion and capacity to fight human trafficking. Meet
Katrina Sorrentino, Brooklyn based cinematographer and film producer who
explores the topics of transformation and freedom through her art.

KS: I have been working on a documentary film entitled Crossing Over
for the last two and a half years. Our film tells the
story of three transgender immigrant women from Mexico who fight for
themselves and for each other, and it encourages its audience to find
the strength to be true to oneself no matter what the obstacles. Our
characters, Francis, Abigail and Brenda immigrated to the United States
to escape a lifetime of sexual and mental abuse, and found that if
they wanted a better life, they’d have to fight for it.

The
film exposes the daily challenges and injustices that transgender
immigrants face. Mexican nationals immigrate to the United States in search of better opportunities. They work hard, hoping that some day their efforts will pay off. For the transgender individuals among them, the opportunities are fewer and obstacles more difficult to overcome. Though many are eligible for political asylum, few are aware of it, and as a result many turn to the sex industry, often falling prey to its many dangers, simply to survive. The characters in our filmdiscuss these injustices openly. Our hope is to create an international dialogue between American nationals and Mexican nationals in order to raise awareness about this issue and inspire positive social change. I was initially just the
cinematographer for this film but became so deeply passionate about our character’s stories that I am now also one of the film's producers.

Photo by Isabel Castro, director of Crossing Over

NN: Tell us a little about yourself and your personal journey.

KS: Before
agreeing to make this film I didn’t consider myself an activist of any
type. I always thought of an activist as someone at a protest, sign in hand, standing on the front lines for something they believed in. However through my latest project, Crossing Over, I
realized that when my innate passion for filmmaking was combined with the incredible stories of Francis, Abigail and
Brenda, I was moved to action. As I learned about the extensive abuse
they had endured simply because they didn’t fit into a societal mold, I became
committed to sharing their incredible stories of perseverance and victory.

Crossing Over
has led me to other organizations, like Nomi Network, that are coming
alongside individuals who are up against different forms of social
injustice. I am drawn to organizations like this because I see how
transformative the advocacy, infrastructure and support of a partner
organization can be to someone who is oppressed and in need. I have
found that there is still so much beauty to be found in these stories of
hardship, pain, and suffering and my goal as a cinematographer and
artist is to highlight this beauty in hopes of showing the world that
our transgender brothers and sisters, in fact all of us, deserve to
be treated fairly.

Photo by Katrina Sorrentino, producer of Crossing Over

NN: How did you first hear about human trafficking and Nomi Network?

KS:
I first heard about Nomi Network through a post they sent out in search
of a videographer. We have been in touch over the past year, looking
for the opportune time to send me overseas to meet the women that they
serve and to capture some of their stories on film. Over the course of
the last year I have been reading books and watching films about human
trafficking that Alissa Moore, Nomi Network’s VP, has recommended. I
have been deeply affected by the testimonies I’ve read and seen -- saddened by the
stories of women who were sold into slavery against their will but
encouraged by the women that have managed to escape and dedicate their
lives to helping others in bondage. I am really amazed by how Nomi is empowering these women and I desire to help them grow.

NN: What has been the most surprising thing about realizing you are an artist abolitionist?

KS: The
term abolitionist seems really formal and maybe too intense a word to describe myself, however, upon revisiting its definition I must admit it fits. I think the most surprising thing about taking a stand against injustices you're passionate about is that fighting for issues you're passionate for is that it never feels like work. I have
dedicated the last two and a half years of my life to Crossing Over and know that the next project I take on will most likely take up the
same amount of space and time, but I couldn’t see myself doing anything
else. I am rejuvinated by the work that I’m a part of, the possibility
for positive social change, and the hope that the injustices we witness
and detest will someday be overcome.

NN: If you are an Artist Abolitionist or a friend who wanted to support this movement please buy a campaign tee or tank today! Email info@nominetwork.org with your name and the number of tees or tanks you'd like.

Then share a photo of yourself in your tank top with Nomi’s Instagram account (http://instagram.com/nominetworknyc#) by using hashtag #togetherwithnomi so we can see the faces supporting the cause!